Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

December 2012• Complete more than 20 major bridge and highway projects, each having a cost greater than $10 million.• Totally reconstruct 20 lane-miles of roadway per year.• Resurface 120 lane-miles of roadway, including replacement of approximately 34 miles of sidewalk associated with these projects.• Fully fund preventive maintenance activities essential to the cost-effective management of the State’s roads and bridges including: bridge paintingand washing, deck joint repair, overlay and crack sealing of roadways.• Fully fund essential operations and maintenance activities including: bridge inspection, drainage improvements, pavement striping, traffic signal repairand replacement, signing and lighting improvements and repair, replacement of damaged hardware, landscaping maintenance and improvements.• Fully fund essential roadway maintenance activities such as snow removal, grass cutting, minor highway and bridge repairs, and drainage structurerepair and cleaning.SENATE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION FUNDINGIn the spring of 2011, the Rhode Island Senate convened the Senate Commission on Sustainable Transportation Funding. The Commission held six (6) meetings,which included presentations from staff members of the Senate Fiscal Office, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the Department ofAdministration’s Division of Planning, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA), and theFederal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Commission also examined transportation funding trends across states, among quasi-public agencies, and at thefederal level.The Commission established transportation funding priorities and listed transportation funding opportunities.Transportation Funding Priorities• Eliminate bonding to provide the state match for federal funds.• No new bonds: replace with alternate sources.• Eliminate debt service payments and reallocate gas tax revenue for operations and maintenance.• Provide additional funding for Department of Transportation operations, maintenance, and capital.• Provide additional funding for local roads and RIPTA.Transportation Funding Opportunities• Establish a Transportation Trust Fund to implement the stated priorities.• Increase motor vehicle registration and license fees and dedicate solely to transportation in accordance with the stated priorities.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611Rhode Island Statewide Planning ProgramPage 3-13